Introduction to Alastair Buchan
Alastair Buchan, partner of the financial advisory company St. James’s Place, reflects on two places that have shaped his life and career: the rough coast of Aberdeenshire and the Dubai skyscrapers. For Alastair, these two locations hold special meaning, with Aberdeenshire being his home in Scotland, known for its rugged coastline, and Dubai, a place he has visited and invested in over the past 25 years.
Connection to Dubai
Alastair first came to Dubai on vacation in 2001 and was overwhelmed by the vision and ambition of the Emirate. He bought a property in Dubai in 2003 and has since developed a strong connection to the city. After moving to the St. James’s Place office at the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), Alastair enjoys the lively and diverse professional community in the Emirate, providing advice to help people achieve their financial goals.
The Attraction of Dubai
Dubai has become an attractive destination for business and finance, with its positivity, can-do attitude, convenience, and harmonious mix of nationalities. The city’s feeling of security and its position as a global business center make it an appealing place to work and live. Alastair believes that Dubai has had a special place in his heart for decades, and the opportunity to move to the Emirate after St. James’s Place received a license to set up a business in the city was a significant step in his career.
A Trustworthy Consultant
Alastair has been a financial advisor for most of his career, developing his personal philosophy on money management from a young age. He sees financial planning as a means of giving individuals the choice and freedom to make decisions about their lives. With over 25 years of experience, Alastair has advised customers on investments, tax matters, retirement, protection, and business plans, and is now part of the team bringing targeted, personalized advice to the UAE.
Building Long-Term Assets
Alastair believes that financial advice is about building long-term assets that will benefit future generations. He enjoys helping people plan their futures and achieve their goals, working with customers to ensure they are financially well-organized and their families are well-protected. By building strong relationships, Alastair aims to be a trustworthy advisor for several generations.
A Strong Focus on Regulatory Framework
The UAE has become a hub for financial services, with a strong focus on regulatory and legal frameworks. Alastair believes that the region is well-positioned for the future, with the DIFC driving efforts to strengthen financial services and financial literacy. The government’s initiatives to promote financial education and literacy will enable more intelligent financial decisions, making the UAE an attractive destination for business and finance.
A New Chapter in the UAE
Alastair is excited to be a part of the growing expat community in the UAE, helping individuals achieve prosperity and maximize the opportunities available in the region. With his experience and expertise, he aims to build trustworthy relationships with customers and strengthen the presence of St. James’s Place in the UAE. As the need for complex, professional financial advice grows, Alastair is well-positioned to provide tailored advice to the internationally mobile community.
